Amina Noor, 40, originally from Somalia but residing in Harrow, North London, was sentenced to seven years in prison for her role in the female genital mutilation (FGM) of a three-year-old British girl.
Noor had flown the child to Kenya, where the procedure was carried out at a “clinic” while she waited outside.
Victim’s Unexpected Support
In a surprising turn of events, the victim, who had kept the mutilation a secret for 13 years, appeared in court to defend Noor, stating that she believed Noor was pressured by her family and was not “wicked.”
The victim’s plea for leniency highlighted the complexity and cultural nuances surrounding the practice of FGM.
FGM Statistics in the UK
FGM is illegal in the UK and is classified as child abuse.
NHS statistics suggest that there are over 3,000 newly identified cases of FGM in the UK each year, with many cases involving mutilation performed abroad.
The procedure, which has no medical justification, is usually carried out on girls between infancy and 15 years old.
Legal Ramifications and Impact
Noor’s conviction marks the first of its kind in the UK for taking a child abroad for FGM.
Mr. Justice Bryan, in sentencing Noor, acknowledged the profound impact of her actions on the victim’s life.
Prosecutors described how Noor had misled the victim about the procedure, believing it to be a simple injection.
Pressure and Threats
Noor testified that she felt pressured and threatened with being “cursed” and “disowned” within her community if she did not comply.
She expressed regret and shock upon learning the true nature of the procedure.
The case sheds light on the complexities surrounding FGM and the challenges in addressing cultural practices that harm women and girls.
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